Why is my very old mini poodle pacing all the time? Is it senility?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mugsy. As they age, some pets can experience something known as canine cognitive dysfunction. It is characterized by pacing, accidents in the home, vocalizing more, mixing up their days and nights as well as becoming disoriented. Some pets will get stuck under chairs, in corners or in small rooms such as bathrooms and closets. The disorder becomes increasingly common the older the pet gets. It is somewhat comparable to Alzheimer's disease in people. I recommend that Mugsy sees his veterinarian to see if this is the cause of his recent symptoms or if something else is bothering him. I hope this information helps!

Hello, I am so sorry for your concerns about Dylan. It sounds like he has developed some issues concerning canine cognitive dysfunction, a type of dementia often seen in dogs this age. There are several options for trying to help Dylan & you rest easier at night. Some are prescription medications, some may be available over the counter. Please talk to your veterinarian about what would be most appropriate for helping Dylan. I am sure something can be found to settle his night wanderings. Take care & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is great that Penny has lived to be 15 years old! It does however sound like she is having some major aging issues going on. I always recommend having geriatric dogs examined by your veterinarian to make sure there are no medical issues that need to be addressed. It may just be that Penny is getting older and slowing down but there may be something else underlying going on. Dogs can also develop canine cognitive dysfunction, which is a lot like Alzheimer’s in older people, where they become confused and restless especially at night. There are medications that can help with this as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck with Penny!

I'm very sorry to hear this! Unfortunately dogs can develop dementia as they age which can make them act in odd ways including pacing and looking into space. This is not a condition that is easily diagnosed in dogs as there are no medical signs aside from.the symptoms. Another thing that could cause behaviour change in a dog would be any condition that effects the brain. Especially diseases such as tumours which will press on and effect different areas. I would be slightly concerned that the behaviour change in your dog may be due to a physical brain condition such as a tumour, the fact that Buddy paws his head makes me wonder if there is a physical source of discomfort. My advice would be to return to your vet for an examination of neurological function and an eye exam. Sometimes these tests will show nothing, but often there are clues to be found regarding tumours. For a definitive diagnosis an MRI scan is often required. In terms of treatment it is very limited for both conditions. Treatment usually involves managing pain and trying to increase blood flow to the brain to help cognitive function. Although if quality of life deteriorates then euthanasia is sometimes the only option. Best of luck.

Pacing and panting could be a sign of discomfort/pain but it may also just be a sign of old age. Dogs often get a type of dementia that can cause this type of behavior. I suggest you take Mali to your vet for an exam. There are medications available to treat for both things if needed. Best wishes.

I'd have Gomez seen by a vet for this problem. It could be he is suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction, which can cause dogs to not sleep at night. If he does have it, the vet can diagnose it and can discuss things to do to help with it.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Coco. Canine cognitive dysfunction is common in older animals. It is somewhat similar to Alzheimer's disease in people. It is characterized by anxiety (especially at night), panting, pacing, becoming stuck in corners (due to disorientation) and accidents in the house. If these signs sound familiar, it would be best for her to see her veterinarian. There are prescription medications that can be used in some cases. At home though, you could transitioning her to Purina ProPlan Bright Minds. It really does seem to help these patients. I hope this information helps!